Tricholoma bulb rot

Tricholoma bulb rot is a specific fungal disease caused by the pathogen Tricholoma maluvium. This organism acts as a soil-borne fungus capable of surviving for extended periods in the soil environment, waiting for suitable conditions to colonize and damage the root and bulb systems of various plant species.

The disease primarily impacts various bulbous plants, including horticultural crops such as tulips and narcissi, as well as specific vegetable bulb crops. The pathogen typically enters the plant through the basal plate or via small fissures in the protective outer scales, often resulting from physical damage or environmental stress during the planting or growing phase.

Common symptoms of this infection include the presence of grayish fungal growth on the scales and the subsequent breakdown of internal plant tissues. As the infection progresses, the bulb becomes soft and develops a distinct rot. Above-ground symptoms manifest as yellowing, stunted growth, and eventual plant collapse as the root system fails to support the foliage.

The development of Tricholoma maluvium is highly dependent on environmental factors, specifically high soil moisture levels and cool temperatures. These conditions favor the proliferation of fungal spores, allowing the disease to spread rapidly through the soil profile or via contaminated water, especially in densely planted areas with poor drainage.

Effective management strategies focus on prevention and sanitation. Growers should implement rigorous inspection of bulb stocks, utilize fungicide treatments prior to planting, and ensure proper soil management, including adequate drainage and aeration.

• Use of disease-free propagation material
• Crop rotation to reduce soil inoculum
• Application of preventative fungicides
• Removal and destruction of symptomatic bulbs